It’s getting near the end of the year again. The bad news is that cycling season is just about over for a large portion of us in the Northern Hemisphere. The good news is that it’s Recumbent of the Year Time! We are making more than a few changes to how we chose the recipient of this award for 2012.

First of all… Notice the name. It is no longer a separate Bike and Trike of the Year award. Trikes have definitely moved into the mainstream and since they often outsell two wheelers in a few market segments, I think it’s time we combine them into one award. (Read on to learn how to participate!)

Secondly… Last year we didn’t have a “Reader’s Choice” award as we had in years prior. The reason for this is because we had a few companies padding the ballot boxes and ruining it for everyone else. However, not having our loyal readers involved felt very wrong. So for 2012, you will all get one collective vote. Meaning… You will all vote on your choice for Recumbent of the Year. The bike or trike you choose as a unit will be your one vote. Official voting begins December 15th and ends on January 1st when we make the announcement. One lucky voter will also win a free BentRider hat. Larry and I also get one vote. Which leads me to the last thing we are changing…

Two dealers (whose names will not be released and will change year to year) also get one vote each. We’ll make sure to include ones that are large enough to encompass many brands and therefore not be biased. We will also be giving out two anonymous wild card votes to other recumbent writers and bloggers. Again, these will change year to year. If any of these four voters want to disclose they’re vote, they’re welcome to but we won’t be breaking it down here on BentRider.

To make things a bit more clear, here is an example of how voting could go. (Using bikes and trikes that aren’t even eligible this year so as to not confuse.)

Larry and I ride a lot of bikes and trikes every year but we don’t see them all. In order to be nominated a bike MUST be either completely new and/or completely revised in 2012. AND it must have been widely available at some point during the calendar year. Other than that… Feel free to pick away! Post your nominees on our message board thread, here. Below is a list that are already nominated by Larry and Bryan and don’t need to be nominated again.